Rowan's invention had shaken the scientific community. The Dream Machine was more than just a bed - it was the gateway to controlled dreaming, to unlocking the subconscious in ways never before possible. Research institutions were reaching out, eager to test his findings, and psychology experts wanted to understand its full implications.

But for Rowan, this was personal. It wasn't about prestige. It was about progress.

One evening, he sat in his lab, scrolling through his emails. Another invitation, this time from a leading neuroscience center in SimCity, offering him a research grant and full lab access to continue his work.

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Another one," he muttered.

"Another what?" Oliver leaned against the doorway, arms crossed.

Rowan turned his laptop screen toward him. "SimCity's offering me a grant to keep working on the Dream Machine. They want me to move there."

Oliver's expression didn't shift at first, but then he let out a slow breath. "That's? kind of a big deal."

"Yeah," Rowan murmured. "But? I don't know. Appaloosa Plains is my home. My work started here. Leaving feels - wrong."

Oliver studied him for a moment before stepping further inside. "So, what's stopping you from saying no?"

Rowan hesitated. "What if I regret it? What if this is an opportunity I can't pass up?"

Oliver sat on the edge of Rowan's desk. "Look, genius. You've already made history. If they want your research, they can bring the lab to you."

Rowan laughed, shaking his head. "That's not how it works."

"Maybe not usually," Oliver smirked. "But you're not usual."

Rowan sighed, leaning back. "I just don't know what the right decision is."

Oliver nudged him playfully. "Then do what you always do. Think. Test. Hypothesize. What makes you happiest?"

Rowan didn't answer immediately, but when he met Oliver's gaze, he already knew. His heart was here. His work was here.

He smiled, shaking his head. "I think I just made my decision."

Oliver grinned. "Good. 'Cause I'd miss your nerdy ass if you left."

Rowan chuckled. "You just don't want to admit you need me around."

Oliver smirked. "Maybe. But let's not make it weird."

They both laughed, the tension in Rowan's chest finally loosening. The future wasn't about where he worked - it was about what he built.

And he was going to build it right here.

After much thought, Rowan finally took the step he'd been dreaming of since childhood - applying to work for the Science Center downtown. Choosing a career from the vast options available was never easy, but listening to one's heart always led to the right path. And Rowan had always known this was where he belonged.

Sitting at his desk, he meticulously prepared his application, crafting every response to highlight his skills, research, and passion. His Dream Machine was revolutionary, but he wanted more - to be in a lab, solving real-world environmental problems, pushing the boundaries of what science could do.

"You're overthinking it," Oliver teased as he lounged on Rowan's bed, watching him type.

"I want it to be perfect," Rowan muttered, adjusting a sentence for the third time.

"Dude, you invented a machine that literally tells people what to dream about. I think you're qualified."

Rowan huffed a laugh. "That's not exactly on the list of standard job requirements."

Oliver grinned. "It should be."

With a deep breath, Rowan hit submit. The application was in. Now, all he could do was wait.

"So, when do you hear back?" Oliver asked.

"They have to go through all the other applicants first," Rowan replied. "Could be a while."

Oliver stretched, cracking his knuckles. "Guess that means we celebrate now and stress later."

Rowan smirked. "Celebrating with you usually means getting into trouble."

Oliver feigned innocence. "Me? Never."

Rowan chuckled, shaking his head. No matter what happened next, he was ready. The dream was finally within reach.